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Dear all,
As we are amidst a moment unlike any we have experienced in our lifetime, it is so important to remember the incredible community to which we belong.
Seeing the deep collective anxiety that we face, largely due to the feeling of uncertainty, it is important to recognize our humanity, and to acknowledge all that we are grateful for. As a way to start, here are a few moments that brought us together as a community over the last six years:
We are not able to come together in person, but we can certainly continue to foster this spirit of community and learning that we have felt and come to know. Although we are all isolated, we have an incredible resource: our network of students, alumni, staff, and faculty.
To help us get started, there is an expansive list of Waterloo Architecture alumni who are eager to have an informal conversation and/or review with anyone who is feeling stuck or wanting to talk. Please remember that every single person on this list has been part of our school community, and have intentionally signed up for this because they are committed to help in any way they can! Waterloo Alumni for informal help and review.
You can also join our alumni in cultivating this sense of community by sharing a reading of a text that inspires you, passages from your own thesis, or by reading from a thesis that you have learned from. We see this is as a helpful reminder of our collective presence near and far. UWSA Thesis Readings.
We are fortunate that our school community extends well beyond the doors of the school of architecture into the city of Cambridge. Many of these community members are finding ways to help serve us safely, and we can also help support them during this time (even from a distance):
Galt Health Center: The family doctors are committed to making sure their community is well, and have set up the possibility for phone appointments for the architecture community. You can reach them at 519-740-1716 to set up an appointment.
MAS Academy of Martial Arts: Email Chris Kew at maslessonplans@gmail.com for virtual class schedules, and stay tuned for a special introduction class for architecture students.
Atlas Yoga Studios: Email Denise for virtual class schedules at info@atlasstudio.com, and reach out to alumni Mark Zupan for details on a Queer Yoga class geared towards anyone looking for a safer space to explore their practice.
Phidon Pens: Reach out to Mano and Baldeep of Phidon at phidonpens@bellnet.ca and take a look at their new website for online purchases.
The Bake Shop on Main: Klara is continuing to bake! Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for weekly menu updates for order and pick up.
Brick & Mortar: Check out Victoria’s Facebook page for the online order form and pick up on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Ivey’s Restaurant: Call Clifton Ivey at 519-621-1711 for order and pick up from Wed-Sat, 12-7 pm
Monigram Coffee: Monica and Graham are continuing to roast and sell coffee beams for delivery. They are not selling drinks at the moment, but you can knock on their door and they invite everyone into their space one by one.
As an invitation of gratitude and appreciation for all that we have during this time, On Empathy will be hosting a virtual conversation series throughout the term. We will bring home some of that togetherness we fostered over the years, and we look forward to your virtual presence.
As we courageously face the challenges of this time, let us be grateful for the far-reaching connection we have to one another.
With hope,
On Empathy
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